Conservation groups call for more efforts to save vaquita

The world’s smallest porpoise, the Vaquita, is close to extinction. Scientists say there are only 60 left in their native habitat in the Gulf of California.

A year ago, the Mexican government started a $70 million program to protect the vaquita by banning most fishing but provide compensation to offset lost revenue.

According to locals in the port town of Santa Clara, the ban has decimated the fishing communities. Fishermen get on average about 200 to 450 dollars a month, much less than when they had free run of the sea.

Mexico’s efforts to save the vaquita have not been working. The decline continues despite a ban on most fishing in the region.

Conservation groups say China and the U.S. need to do more. But scientists have said the best way is to ban all net fishing and increase police involvement.

Still, as long as the price of the Totoaba remains high, and the criminal organizations roam the sea, the vaquita’s days may be numbered.

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